How Credit Counseling Works

August 27, 2018

So, you’ve hit a financial rough patch. Maybe you’ve fallen behind on expenses, are reliant on credit cards, or aren’t really sure what went wrong. What you do know is that it’s time to seek help. A reputable credit counseling agency can help you fix your financial situation and put debt behind you. To do so, it’s important to know how credit counseling works.

How Credit Counseling Works

Despite all efforts, you just can’t seem to figure out how to get out of debt. That’s where credit counseling comes in.

What is Credit Counseling?

Credit counseling is a financial service designed to educate consumers and assist them in seeking debt relief. With the help of credit counseling, consumers can take charge of their finances with confidence and ultimately find financial freedom. Another goal of credit counseling is to enable consumers to make good financial decisions to avoid debt in the future. There are a number of companies that offer credit counseling, but nonprofit agencies are committed to offering low cost financial services and solutions.

The Details of How Credit Counseling Works

Nonprofit credit counseling agencies can help you explore all your options for paying off unsecured debt. At American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC), you can speak to a certified credit counselor for free. During your counseling session, your credit counselor will help you evaluate your finances, including income, assets, and expenses. Your counselor will also help you create a realistic budget, including identify if you are overspending, and areas where you can cut back. Given all this information, your counselor will help you go through all of your options to find the best solution for you and your goals. By the end of your session, you’ll have all the information necessary to take control of your finances. If you decide to move forward with a debt management program, your counselor at ACCC will walk you through the program.

What to look for in a Credit Counseling Agency

Like we said before, there are a number of companies that may offer credit counseling. To make sure you are protected and in trustworthy hands, there is some criteria to consider when choosing a credit counseling agency. Here are some things to look for when searching for a credit counseling agency:

Non-profit organization

Have been in business for at least seven years

Licensed in your state

Charge no minimum fees and are prepared to waive your fees if you simply cannot afford to pay them

All the counselors should be certified

Member of one of these organizations: the NFCC or AICCCA

For more information on how credit counseling works, call ACCC today at 1800-769-3571 ext. 1911 or visit ConsumerCredit.com.

About Blog

Talking Cents was created by the staff of the nonprofit organization, American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC). Not satisfied with providing credit counseling, debt management, and financial education alone, these renegade employees took to the blogosphere in the hopes of helping not only their current clients, but the rest of the world at large to tackle more of the topics affecting people’s everyday financial lives.